Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Everything You Need to Know When Starting Out

Let’s admit it. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is boring. Boring to watch that is. As much as we love BJJ, it’s just not as action-packed as striking matches. In fights where somebody is launching punches at another’s face with vicious intent, it’s very clear to see who has the upper hand. Compare that to a BJJ match where all you see is a mess of tangled of limbs. It’s no surprise then that the uninitiated can barely make heads or tails of what’s happening.

In all honesty, BJJ doesn’t seem like much. And yet, it’s one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world.

How is this possible? What makes BJJ so great?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu goes by another name: “The Gentle Art.” In every match, the goal is not to knock out the opponent or deal damage with every strike. Instead, it aims to neutralize and immobilize. Its non-concussive nature makes it an ideal discipline for children and adults alike. BJJ (for kids, especially) allows training with a significantly smaller risk of injury.

It is recognized as one of the most effective self-defence martial arts around. This is mainly because strategy and technique overrule size and power. It doesn’t matter how big your opponent may be. If you have superior technique, they’re going down for sure. A smaller player can easily stand on equal footing against a bigger opponent.

However, the most important thing about BJJ is that it’s fun. It may be boring to watch, but experiencing it for yourself is a whole other story. Whether you win or lose, every match is a puzzle to be solved. It engages your mind, and your body works to keep up simultaneously.

BJJ is a fantastic way to get fit, lose weight, be more active, and improve your overall functionality. However, the best thing is that you gain all these things while having fun and making friends.

The first step is the hardest, especially if you’re unsure where to start. This article explores everything you need to know about starting in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

(If you’re wondering where to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Brisbane is home to one of the best. Come to The Fight Centre. We offer free introductory classes so you can get a feel for the gym, the environment, and the instructors. Take a quick look at the video below to get a glimpse of what TFC is like.)